How Fantastic Beasts Will Be Different From The First Harry Potter Movie

If you're anything like us, then you currently are on pins and needles waiting for the next adventure in J.K. Rowling's wizard world. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will hit theaters next weekend, and flesh out the American side of Harry Potter universe in a major way. But while the film will definitely take place in the same universe as Harry Potter, don't expect this movie to feel like the first Harry Potter outing in any way. Director David Yates explained:

Feels so different from this [first film]. Much more haunting, like a dream. What she's doing is really interesting; she's not repeating herself.

In a recent interview with THR to promote the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, David Yates explained the fundamental differences between the first installment in the Harry Potter franchise, and the first installment in the Fantastic Beasts series. By his own estimation, Fantastic Beasts will not follow any of the same beats as The Sorcerer's Stone, and it will tonally feel very different from the early Harry Potter adventures. Speaking proudly about the project, he praised the fact that J.K. Rowling has really tried to do something new, unique, and exciting with this offshoot from the Harry Potter brand. Considering his use of words like "haunting," and "dream," these definitely seem like changes worth getting excited for.

Of course, it's not very surprising to learn that the Fantastic Beasts franchise will take a much darker approach to its source material in its first outing. One look at the film's protagonist will instantly tell you that. Unlike Harry Potter during the events of The Sorcerer's Stone, Newt Scamander is already a fully-grown adult and fairly competent wizard. He's experienced in the ways of magic, which means that he can hold his own against more dangerous threats. This means that (at least from a tonal perspective) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will likely have far more in common with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Make sure to stay tuned for more details related to the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. The first official Harry Potter spin-off will hit theaters next weekend on November 18.

Are you excited for the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them? Check out a trailer for the upcoming wizard adventure on the next page!